M734 Fuze

M734 Fuze

The M734 Multi-Option Fuze shown in Figure 1 is a rangefinder and collision detection system used on 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm mortar shells as a trigger to detonate the shells at the most damaging heights of burst when combating four types of battlefield threats:

• The rangefinder electronics (Figure 2) is a Doppler radar using FMCW technology to emit a Doppler signal which can be set to trigger two types of air-bursts, one being a near surface burst to combat standing targets and the other being a higher proximity burst downward onto prone or fox holed targets.

• The collision detection portion of the fuze consists of two mechanical devices, one being a quick response electric inertial switch for a burst upon impact with a target, such as a vehicle, and another being a slow response mechanical detonator that allows shell penetration, such as through a forest canopy, before detonating.

This integration of four functions into a single fuze reduces the logistics and cost to support mortar crews on the battlefield.